It's a Mitzvah

by Bradley Shavit Artson

An open door for all of us who want to deepen our Jewish commitment; but don't know how or where to begin. From lighting Shabbat candles to spending a night in a homeless shelter, this guide to Jewish living presents simple steps to incorporate the rich tradition of Jewish values into everyday life. Each chapter focuses on one mitzvah--both its traditional and contemporary significance--plus ways to put the mitzvah into practice. Addressing ritual-based and social-action mitzvot, this book offers a wealth of opportunities to grow Jewishly. Discovering ways to practice Judaism every day can change our lives. Here is the book to begin the journey. It's a Mitzvah! is a rare a practical book to change your spiritual life. Rabbi Artson provides everything we need to begin and sustain a religious journey. This is a marvelous book written by a teacher who deeply understands not only the Jewish tradition, but the needs of those exploring this ancient wisdom and rich heritage.

Genres: Judaism, Jewish, Religion

1 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1995

Reviews

[Lisa Feld · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had mixed feelings about this guide to performing more (and more meaningful) mitzvot, aimed at potential converts and less religiously observant Jews. I liked the concept of discussing the underlying issues for each of the selected mitzvot, why we should care about them, how they enable us to respond to issues that arise in our day-to-day lives, followed by steps/options for engaging with those issues through Jewish values, rituals, and traditions. I especially appreciated Artson’s chapter on visiting the sick, with practical advice for making such a visit in a genuinely helpful and meaningful way. His advice in that chapter was insightful, engaging, and reflected the best practices for chaplains.

But there are some aspects of the book that didn’t work for me. First is the physical format of the book: it’s the cumbersome size (and high price) of a coffee table book, whereas if it were printed in trade paperback size it would be less expensive and easier to carry around, more inviting for people who are trying to make a change in their lives. Second, the topics don’t have a logical flow: environmentalism is #2 and preventing animal cruelty is #14. The highly ritualistic grouping of kashrut, Shabbat, and prayer are interrupted by social concepts like freeing captives and avoiding gossip. And the first mitzvah is the polarizingly political “love Israel,” which, because it’s presented without offering any way to love and support the country while still criticizing the actions of its government (as we Americans do for America), it may make the entire book a non-starter for some readers.

I know a lot of rabbis recommend this book, and I can understand why, but while I loved specific chapters, it was more of a mixed bag for me.

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️? — It’s a bit dated now and the size of the book is awkward to handle, but there were some interesting insights in it. I liked how there were many suggestions for each mitzvot and some were listed in stages of increasing difficulty of observance, so someone could choose to start with a manageable change. The footnotes with book suggestions and Appendix with the Talmud page and other info were helpful too.

[Shadow the Hedgehog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although dated, the book is easy to read and useful.

[Michelle H · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a pretty informative book. Target audience is mid-to-late teens who are Jewish by birth, but it was somewhat decent for an adult Jew by Choice. Hilariously dated photos make the reading a little less dry, and the information was well laid out in order to reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed.
All that being said, a more current book on mitzvah would be a better choice for an adult learner.

[Ari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good, and I wish I had known about this one when I taught an intro class. I have since recommended it. Easy to read (as well as hilariously dated photos) how-to book breaking down a number of mitzvot into easy to achieve steps. Recommended for potential converts, teens, anyone looking for ideas on how to deepen spiritual life by action.

[Bill Dilworth · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's a Mitzvah!: Step-By-Step to Jewish Living by Bradley Shavit Artson (1995)

[Jan]

not at library